Kia has officially stepped up the electric game with the reveal of the 2026 EV9 GT, a high-performance version of its beloved EV9 electric SUV. Boasting 501 horsepower, this souped-up crossover is not just for shuttling kids to school—it’s for doing it with a grin-inducing 0-60 MPH sprint of just 4.3 seconds. The EV9 GT made its roaring debut Thursday at the Los Angeles Auto Show, proving that family EVs can pack a serious punch.
Power That Redefines Expectations
While the standard EV9 AWD is no slouch with its 378 combined horsepower, the GT turns up the heat. Its dual-motor setup includes a 214-horsepower front motor and a 362-horsepower rear motor. While the math on those numbers doesn’t quite add up to 501, Kia explains that the peak power of each motor is achieved at different speeds—and the final numbers might still climb as Kia fine-tunes the specs ahead of its release.
This electrified family rocket also boasts larger brakes, adaptive suspension with enhanced dampers, an electronic rear limited-slip differential, and Continental tires wrapped around striking 21-inch wheels. Together, these upgrades don’t just make the EV9 GT faster in a straight line but promise improved cornering and handling dynamics for those who like their school runs with a side of adrenaline.
Virtual Gear Shift: An EV That Feels Like a V8
Perhaps the most intriguing feature is Kia’s new Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) system, which mimics the sounds and feel of an internal combustion engine. Adapted from Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N, the VGS simulates everything from fake gear shifts to engine torque cuts, delivering an uncanny traditional driving experience. Drivers can row through “gears” using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, or let the system handle the shifts in automatic mode. It’s a nostalgic nod to petrolheads in a cutting-edge EV package.
Design Tweaks and Premium Touches
The EV9 GT gets more than just performance upgrades—it also flexes visual flair. The exterior features exclusive trim details, and the cabin is highlighted with lime-green accents and Alcantara-upholstered sport seats with extra bolstering. These additions reinforce the GT’s sporty pedigree while maintaining the luxury and practicality EV9 buyers expect.
Tech-Savvy and Supercharger-Ready
Kia didn’t skimp on tech, equipping the EV9 GT with advanced driver-assist systems and a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, ensuring compatibility with Tesla Superchargers for quicker, more convenient charging. Unlike other EV9 models built in Georgia, the GT will be manufactured in South Korea, adding an air of exclusivity.
What’s Missing: Price and Range
Kia remains tight-lipped on two critical details: price and range. The GT will undoubtedly cost more than the $75,395 EV9 GT-Line AWD, and its range is expected to dip below that model’s 270-mile estimate due to the GT’s added power and performance-oriented design. Pricing clarity and official EPA range ratings are expected as deliveries near in late 2025.
A New Breed of Family SUV
The 2026 Kia EV9 GT doesn’t just push boundaries—it obliterates them. Offering supercar-level power in a three-row SUV, it’s set to challenge the notion of what a family EV can be. With its jaw-dropping performance, innovative tech, and luxurious touches, the EV9 GT is poised to dominate school runs, road trips, and the EV market alike.
Get ready—this isn’t just a family car; it’s a statement.
